Director General Inter-Services-Public Relations Major General Asim Salim Bajwa has said 327 terrorists have been killed and 10 security personnel martyred during the ongoing operation “Zarb-e-Azab” in North Waziristan Agency . He said timeframe regarding the end of operation could not be disclosed due to security of the operation. He said operation “Zarb-e-Azab” has been launched to purge country from the menace of terrorism.

While briefing the media about the ongoing military operation North waziristan he said operation would be completed in four phases, adding that the government writ would be established in North Waziristan. He said NWA had become the centre of terrorists. He said action would be taken against those who would take up arm against the state. He said ground offence has not been launched so far in the area.

He said operation “Zarb-e-Azab” is war of Pakistan and whole nation should have to play its role in this war, adding that the indiscriminate action would be taken against terrorists in North Waziristan. Asim Bajwa said that the area had become the centre of terrorism and planning of terrorist activities in whole country was carried out in NWA.

He said the terrorist hideouts have been destroyed in the operation, adding that all the allegations leveled by Afghanistan on Pakistan army are baseless. He said in 2007-08 the terrorists were present in Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand Agency, Khayber Agency, Orakzai Agency, South and North Waziristan Agencies; however now the terrorists have been limited to North Waziristan. He said terrorists are present in Miranshah and Mir Ali in Norht Waziristan and Kookikhel area of Khayber Agency.

Asim Bajwa said that the population of North Waziristan during the last census was nearly 0.4 million, adding that now the population has reached at 0.6 million. Asiam Bajwa said that the terrorist hideouts have been cordoned off. He said the security arrangements have been made to avoid reaction of terrorists.

Major Asim Bajwa Pakistan army with the help of provincial governments would ensure the security of big cities, adding that the army has been deployed at the sensitive installations. DG ISPR said the rehabilitation work in the area would be started in the area after the completion of operation. He said Pak Army, Khasadar Force, SSG Commandos, FC, intelligence and air fore personnel are taking part in the operation. He said army engineers are also taking part in the operation. He said 17 terrorists have surrendered so far before army, 45 hideouts of terrorists have been destroyed.

He said whole nation wants to get rid from the terrorists. DG ISPR demanded from the Afghan government to take action against the terrorists entering in Afghanistan after fleeing from North Waziristan. He said Afghan government should destroy the terrorist hideouts in Kunar and Noorastan provinces. He said no one including US is cooperating in operation against terrorists in North Waziristan.